Literally, the word archetype means “primal patterns.” And, as psychologist C.G. Jung sees it, these patterns are common to the human psyche in all times and places.

Thus, it should come as no surprise. Characters in the book of Genesis bring to life many archetypal behaviour patterns.

Here are a few.

Eve, who seeks higher consciousness, expresses the Search for Self.

Abraham follows a call to journey into the unknown. Thus, he is a Seeker.

Melchizedek, priest of the Highest God, is a Wise Elder.

Overprotective Sarah and frightened Hagar are both examples of a good-enough Mother.

Isaac, who remains innocent and open-hearted into his old age, is an Eternal Child.

Rachel and Lean are Twins of Ego and Shadow. Each grieves over what she lacks, until they collaborate and speak in one voice.

Rebekah, Laban, and Jacob break social rules to bring about, they think, a greater good. Thus, each is a Trickster.

Genesis weaves these archetypes into a final story about the growth of wisdom. Joseph’s childhood dreams call him to Seek the Self. His overprotective Father hopes to keep him close, as an Eternal Child. So, chafing, he projects his negativity onto his Shadow brothers. He speaks badly of them, and they bully him. Then, the Shadow brothers send him on a journey into harsh adulthood, where he creates a life for himself. Ten years into this journey, he meets Pharaoh. The Egyptian king recognizes Joseph as a Wise Elder. Finally, the Shadow brothers show up again. But, Joseph plays the Trickster. Thus, he forces a two-sided reconciliation and re-integration.

Do you recognize any of these characters as aspects of yourself? If so, how have they helped you mature, reconcile, re-integrate and find wisdom?